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🌱 Patch AM: How did Springfield Memorial earn top honors for maternity care?

And check out The Elegant Wedding Expo-Springfield, IL on the Springfield Patch calendar

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Greetings Springfield! We’re your go-to source for what’s happening in town. Read on to get plugged in! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How did Springfield Memorial earn top honors for maternity care?
  • Community mourns Riverton mother and daughter killed on I-55
  • Springfield area community remembers the life of Michael L. Mateer

Also on today's calendar: The Dinner Detective True Crime Murder Mystery Dinner Show – Springfield.

Find out what's happening in Springfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: After dinner, my parents asked if I could clear the table. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Springfieldfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Thursday: Cloudy; afternoon rain, windy, with a high of 63 and low of 43 degrees.
  • Friday: A shower in the a.m.; cloudy, temps: high: 50, low: 38.
  • Saturday: Cooler with showers around, with a high of 41 and low of 22 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Springfield Memorial Hospital receives statewide award for maternal and infant care quality (peoriastandard.com) — Springfield Memorial Hospital’s Family Maternity Suites has earned a statewide quality excellence award for its work improving maternal and infant care, including lowering unnecessary C-section rates. Staff highlight new community partnerships, respectful care events, and expanded access for doulas, all aimed at giving Springfield families safer, more equitable birth experiences and better support during pregnancy, delivery, and beyond.
   

2. Victims of fatal I-55 accident identified (nprillinois.org) — A Riverton mother and her 8-year-old daughter were killed Tuesday morning in a crash with a semi on I-55 on Springfield’s southeast side near the I-72 split. The North Mac School District is offering counselors to support classmates and staff as Illinois State Police continue investigating the accident.
   

3. Michael (Mike) L. Mateer (breezecourier.com) — Family and friends in the Springfield area are mourning Michael (Mike) L. Mateer of Edinburg, who passed away at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield on December 30. Visitation will be held January 17 in Taylorville, followed by graveside services at Grove City Cemetery, honoring his life as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and community member.
   

4. AI technology at HSHS helps detect lung cancer earlier (wandtv.com) — Springfield-based HSHS is now using an AI platform to automatically flag lung nodules in radiology reports, helping local doctors catch possible lung cancer earlier. The system has already identified thousands of nodules, many in higher-risk sizes, and is especially helpful for busy and rural hospitals that might otherwise miss incidental findings during emergency or diagnostic scans.
   

5. Data center proposals in Sangamon and Logan counties face differing challenges (newschannel20.com) — Major data center projects proposed for Sangamon and Logan counties could bring billions in investment and hundreds of jobs to the Springfield area, but both still need rezoning approval. Sangamon County’s board meets Jan. 13 and 15, while Logan County’s meets Jan. 20, giving residents a chance to weigh in on these potentially transformative developments.
   

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Please share & repost to help reunite this stray cat!
    FOUND on December 26, 2025 in Springfield, IL 62704 near Orchard Park apmts Sharing for a neighbor. For the latest information or to contact the… (Nextdoor Cobblestone)
  • Lost dog found and is currently being held at 4643 Thompson Road, Salem Estates.
    Contact number: 217-652-8532. Couldn’t post picture but is brown and white, medium size dog. (Nextdoor Salem Estates & Salem Estates West)
  • MyJobsCorner posted a job opening for Activities Assistant Jobs: Hiring Immediately! Full Time / Part Time - $20-$37/Hr in Springfield. Apply here.
  • TIBCO Software, Inc. posted a job opening for Grocery Reset Merchandiser – $500 Bon in Springfield. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Springfield here.

Ok Springfield! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I needed a running start, but I made it!
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